Individual Therapy for Teen Girls
Something happens to girls between ages 15 and 19…
It’s as though something “clicks” within them, and they become more insightful.
Because of developments in their brains, they think more abstractly, which can be the impetus of change. They may recognize that the anger, frustration, anxiety, or sadness they’ve had for a while is something they can change.
Instead of blaming others, these girls look within. They know their emotions have held them back, and their desire changes. They are more likely to want to go to a therapist than just forced to go.
New insights, but different challenges…
Similarly, as they recognize their issues, they are more willing to put the pieces together than they ever were before.
But, alongside that, some of these girls experience a fear of what comes next. What does it mean to be an adult? They’ve wanted to be an adult, out of the house, making their own decisions, but now it’s a scary prospect. This can make their issues look worse, but it is all a start toward change.
Why am I angry?
Why do I struggle at home with my parents?
When did I start to feel this way?
They have more of a vested interest in changing for themselves, not because they’re told to do so.
No matter their challenges, I have found one thing to be true with teen girls…
They want someone to listen with their heart – to understand them.
It may be difficult to break through at first, but we will in a short time.
Sometimes, young women need to hear another perspective. Sometimes that is difficult to do with parents and friends who commiserate with them, increasing the intensity of their anger or negative feelings.
A family friend or older co-worker (if your teen works) can be a helpful outlet for them, but sometimes they need more. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental office to tell their story, and I will listen intently.
I want to know what has happened in their lives that has negatively affected them. I want to help them figure it out. I had some tumultuous younger years and had to reach out, eventually. That is a big part of the reason I am here today.
I understand the stress that teens are experiencing. I worked at a teen girls’ program for 13 years. I have listened to many girls’ experiences and drawn on some of my own to support them through the tough times.
I want to know your teen – build a trusting relationship with her, so she feels at ease doing the work, both in and out of session.
I find working with teen girls to be pleasantly challenging, and I have worked with many of them!
We’ll design a therapy program based on your teen’s needs…
She might struggle to adjust to adolescence, confront difficulties being a young adult, have complicated peer relationships, or experience anxiety about academics.
I’ll often use art or give them things to fidget with to help them relax, as I have found these help them open up more. They can do these things while we talk.
As we work together…
Your teen will feel heard and valued.
I will ask about feelings and insights, reflect on what I hear. I will provide empathy and eye contact and show her I care. I will ask for her opinion – and show her I value it.
I am committed to empathic listening in a supportive, safe environment. Then we will work together to find some immediate solutions while we dig deeper into her concerns.
She will learn strategies to manage her emotions.
From deep breathing to journaling, mindfulness, relaxation to cognitive-behavioral strategies to help her change her thoughts to minimize emotions, reduce outbursts, or other negative behaviors, we will try them together.
As she gains insight, she will gain motivation to improve her situation, which will help her grow personally.
She’ll be able to work toward personal growth.
The changes she has made will inspire her personal growth. She will open up to new ideas and views and experience life differently. She will learn to embrace ideas from sessions, home, school, or a job, and attach her values to them. She can learn from others’ experiences.
With each new experience, she can gain insight into herself. By sharing these insights and processing feelings in session, she can become the best she can be. It all starts with her feeling safe to tell her own story and me listening.
This can be a difficult time. She deserves support.
Is your teen struggling with anger, frustration, anxiety, or sadness? Does she genuinely desire a change for herself?
Now is a great time to give me a call at (941) 404-5922. You will receive a free 15-minute consultation either during this call or scheduled.
During the consultation, I will briefly ask and answer questions, and we will determine if we are a good fit to work together.